]]>By: cackalackyankhttp://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/01/13/is-the-yankees-third-base-job-kelly-johnsons-to-lose/comment-page-1/#comment-641015
Tue, 14 Jan 2014 02:05:26 +0000http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/?p=508787#comment-641015Given the historical precedent set by Ripken, you might have a point. But here is an image to cheer you: ‘Jeter…guarding the line at third…and Markakis…BUNTS!’
]]>By: cackalackyankhttp://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/01/13/is-the-yankees-third-base-job-kelly-johnsons-to-lose/comment-page-1/#comment-641008
Tue, 14 Jan 2014 02:00:03 +0000http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/?p=508787#comment-641008A snowman on a summers day in Houston?
]]>By: spudchukarhttp://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/01/13/is-the-yankees-third-base-job-kelly-johnsons-to-lose/comment-page-1/#comment-640818
Mon, 13 Jan 2014 22:04:54 +0000http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/?p=508787#comment-640818It is hard for me to see how some combination of Ryan, Johnson, Jeter, Roberts, Texeira, somebody else for first, and either Nunez/Sizemore, won’t be necessary. If the unidentified first base option is also capable of handling at least third, then maybe the Yanks get by with just 6 infield options, but if not then they will be forced to carry 11 pitchers, and 7 infielders.
]]>By: nbjayshttp://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/01/13/is-the-yankees-third-base-job-kelly-johnsons-to-lose/comment-page-1/#comment-640811
Mon, 13 Jan 2014 22:02:32 +0000http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/?p=508787#comment-640811Can’t hurt to move Jeter to 3rd. Look what being a 3rd baseman with zero range did to Miguel Cabrera’s value.
]]>By: cackalackyankhttp://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/01/13/is-the-yankees-third-base-job-kelly-johnsons-to-lose/comment-page-1/#comment-640777
Mon, 13 Jan 2014 21:28:05 +0000http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/?p=508787#comment-640777I’m thinking that 2 of the 6 guys you mentioned are probably not coming north in April. It is an absolute fact that Teixeira is NOT going to play 162 games in the field so it is not a question of wanting a complementary player to back him up, its a fact of having to have one. I see 2 catchers, 5 of/dh, 5 starters, 7 relievers, and 6 inf being on the 25 man roster. Keep in mind that Jeter, Teixeira, and McCann figure to get DH at bats.
]]>By: themanytoolsofignorancehttp://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/01/13/is-the-yankees-third-base-job-kelly-johnsons-to-lose/comment-page-1/#comment-640774
Mon, 13 Jan 2014 21:21:34 +0000http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/?p=508787#comment-640774“Derek Jeter’s Bobblehead” ***

***upon mature reflection I’m not at all certain that his bobblehead doesn’t have more range than Mr. Jeter at this point

]]>By: pisanohttp://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/01/13/is-the-yankees-third-base-job-kelly-johnsons-to-lose/comment-page-1/#comment-640755
Mon, 13 Jan 2014 20:36:19 +0000http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/?p=508787#comment-640755The last sentence of this blog kinda of says it all : ” but Johnson is better than Eduardo Nunez ” Ray Charles in his present state is better than Nunez at fielding.
]]>By: NYTolstoyhttp://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/01/13/is-the-yankees-third-base-job-kelly-johnsons-to-lose/comment-page-1/#comment-640682
Mon, 13 Jan 2014 18:51:44 +0000http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/?p=508787#comment-640682@Spud. True young can spell Tex. at first and also true Nunez isn’t a strong defensive candidate but Young is one of the worst defensive liabilities out there and this is coming from a long time Young supporter. If overbay won’t get a look at again then I’m with you at signing Young and letting him spell first whenever tex needs a breather. Though at that point we will have a very shaky infield which is something I don’t look forward too.
]]>By: spudchukarhttp://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/01/13/is-the-yankees-third-base-job-kelly-johnsons-to-lose/comment-page-1/#comment-640672
Mon, 13 Jan 2014 18:38:18 +0000http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/?p=508787#comment-640672But nobody believes Nunez is capable defensively, at least that is what I read here. Plus Young has first base experience and even a fully recovered Tex cannot play there everyday.

Maybe a Nunez/Johnson/Sizemore rotation at third, and a Jeter/Ryan combo at SS, and a Nunez/Roberts/Sizemore trio at second would work, assuming Sizemore/Nunez/Johnson acquire a first baseman’s mitt early in Spring Training.

But no matter what “infield” isn’t going to be an asset, regardless of the combination.

]]>By: chip56http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/01/13/is-the-yankees-third-base-job-kelly-johnsons-to-lose/comment-page-1/#comment-640671
Mon, 13 Jan 2014 18:37:50 +0000http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/?p=508787#comment-640671I was a big fan of Young, but he’s not a good player any more. His hitting is diminished and he’s become a fielding liability. So yes, he could be on the field every day, but would you really want him there?
]]>By: NYTolstoyhttp://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/01/13/is-the-yankees-third-base-job-kelly-johnsons-to-lose/comment-page-1/#comment-640664
Mon, 13 Jan 2014 18:30:21 +0000http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/?p=508787#comment-640664Lmao agreed with cerveli, Ichiro, Ryan, and Roberts offense is not gonna come big. But good D will help that day. I Also hope not to see alot of Nunez and Jeter team up. That will be rough
]]>By: NYTolstoyhttp://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/01/13/is-the-yankees-third-base-job-kelly-johnsons-to-lose/comment-page-1/#comment-640661
Mon, 13 Jan 2014 18:23:02 +0000http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/?p=508787#comment-640661Oh Jesus nothing against you spud but Micheal young as an option. Scares me…(throws salt behind shoulder) I rather take Nunez if That’s the choice. And though I do think it’s alot to ask for, being a super utility is helpful and we also have Johnson as another “super utility” if need be. Overbay is a solid back up with good D. And some pop but I’m biased. Since I’ve always liked overbay.
]]>By: spudchukarhttp://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/01/13/is-the-yankees-third-base-job-kelly-johnsons-to-lose/comment-page-1/#comment-640656
Mon, 13 Jan 2014 18:15:03 +0000http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/?p=508787#comment-640656Sure, but those days when it is Jeter, Nunez, and Johnson, my hope is a sinker baller isn’t starting. And those days Gardner, Elsbury, Ichiro, Ryan, Roberts, and Cervelli, 8-10 runs is going to be a reach.
]]>By: deathmonkey41http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/01/13/is-the-yankees-third-base-job-kelly-johnsons-to-lose/comment-page-1/#comment-640655
Mon, 13 Jan 2014 18:14:41 +0000http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/?p=508787#comment-640655…the third base bag deflecting balls to other players in the infield…
]]>By: spudchukarhttp://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/01/13/is-the-yankees-third-base-job-kelly-johnsons-to-lose/comment-page-1/#comment-640652
Mon, 13 Jan 2014 18:11:08 +0000http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/?p=508787#comment-640652Ryan has great range, but expecting him to hold down SS, and 2nd, and 3rd is a bit much even for him.

Michael Young still makes the most sense to me. Adding him and dumping Nunez would give a right-handed alternative to both Tex and Johnson. The one thing that Young offers that the Yankees are most deficient in is durability. Having a guy who always answers the bell would be especially desirable for the Bombers.

]]>By: NYTolstoyhttp://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/01/13/is-the-yankees-third-base-job-kelly-johnsons-to-lose/comment-page-1/#comment-640651
Mon, 13 Jan 2014 18:05:43 +0000http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/?p=508787#comment-640651I don’t think it’s the worst out there. Tex is one of the better defensive 1st basemen. Ryan is an above average defensive SS. Roberts Adds good D ass well and Johnson is about average on the diamond. Jeter is really the only liability and who knows how much he will be at Short this year. Throw in that the outfield consist of Gardner and Elsbury with a back up of Ichiro who still runs well and has a decent arm I don’t really see alot of 10-8 finishes. So To say the worst his a big jump.
]]>By: spudchukarhttp://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/01/13/is-the-yankees-third-base-job-kelly-johnsons-to-lose/comment-page-1/#comment-640649
Mon, 13 Jan 2014 18:02:20 +0000http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/?p=508787#comment-640649Also, I could see the Yanks platooning Johnson and Sizemore, but then the 25-man roster issue arises, and it leaves Tex as the lone first baseman with any experience. Mostly, I was trying to accent the box the Yanks are in with their infield choices.
]]>By: chip56http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/01/13/is-the-yankees-third-base-job-kelly-johnsons-to-lose/comment-page-1/#comment-640645
Mon, 13 Jan 2014 18:00:31 +0000http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/?p=508787#comment-640645Likely it’s because when you have a 4 person bench you need versatility that Overbay can’t provide.
]]>By: NYTolstoyhttp://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/01/13/is-the-yankees-third-base-job-kelly-johnsons-to-lose/comment-page-1/#comment-640643
Mon, 13 Jan 2014 17:59:43 +0000http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/?p=508787#comment-640643@ church. I think because he really wants to sell his point lol
]]>By: spudchukarhttp://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/01/13/is-the-yankees-third-base-job-kelly-johnsons-to-lose/comment-page-1/#comment-640641
Mon, 13 Jan 2014 17:59:13 +0000http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/?p=508787#comment-640641It started with the last 3 years comparisons to Nunez. Agree he was an above .700 OPS career hitter but not in the past three years, and that is where I believe he is trending.
]]>By: spudchukarhttp://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/01/13/is-the-yankees-third-base-job-kelly-johnsons-to-lose/comment-page-1/#comment-640640
Mon, 13 Jan 2014 17:55:12 +0000http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/?p=508787#comment-640640My thinking is more about defense, and defensive replacement. Ichiro is still a good outfielder who can play center if necessary, although so can Gardner. But Beltran is going to need spelling, particularly in late innings, and while Rochester is fairly close, it is tough to get to the Bronx between innings.

And who knows maybe Ichiro can regain some offense. About as good a bet as any of those AAAA guys.

You “hope” Johnson will be OK at third, and a corner infielder with a sub-.700 OPS is problematic

He has over 1000 games played with a .765 OPS. Why do you keep saying he’s a sub .700 OPS corner infielder?

]]>By: greymareshttp://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/01/13/is-the-yankees-third-base-job-kelly-johnsons-to-lose/comment-page-1/#comment-640633
Mon, 13 Jan 2014 17:49:44 +0000http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/?p=508787#comment-640633this may be the worst fielding team in all of baseball how many 10-8 games can they win ?
]]>By: spudchukarhttp://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/01/13/is-the-yankees-third-base-job-kelly-johnsons-to-lose/comment-page-1/#comment-640631
Mon, 13 Jan 2014 17:46:00 +0000http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/?p=508787#comment-640631It wasn’t you I was referring to. It was 18thStreet, who was touting his call of ???. One of those times when all the reply buttons were used.

What I meant, but didn’t explain in depth, is that Nunez by himself probably cannot help the Yankees fill needs in their rotation or bull pen, but would have to be part of a package if he cannot be counted on to hold down an infield position due to his defensive acumen.

]]>By: 18thstreethttp://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/01/13/is-the-yankees-third-base-job-kelly-johnsons-to-lose/comment-page-1/#comment-640628
Mon, 13 Jan 2014 17:44:07 +0000http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/?p=508787#comment-640628I don’t expect the Yankees to be any different, but there would be room on the position-player portion of the roster if the Yankees (like all other teams) didn’t carry SO MANY relievers. I don’t get it at all. I’m not a doctor or anything, but I believe there’s no reason why almost every reliever couldn’t pitch two out of every three days and occasionally three out of four.

Teams, I believe, would also be well served to have a position player who is capable of throwing an inning in blowout games to save the relievers for another day. A LOT of these guys pitched in high school and probably are capable of going one inning and giving up one run. Probably once a week, every team either wins or loses a game by seven runs — send in the utility infielder.

And in exchange, you’d be able to carry a pure pinch runner or an extra hitter who can only handle left-handed pitching. It seems like a bigger advantage than the platoon splits some of these pitchers carry. I guess I’m confused why everyone carries such enormous bullpens.

No matter what, the Yankees have to have another outfielder. Counting on Soriano/Johnson/Sizemore as a 4th outfielder would be disastrous. My guess is Ichiro is kept.

The Yanks have plenty of AAAA OF stashed in the minors that can replace Ichiro’s [non]production. However, there is a 25 man roster crunch.

]]>By: uyf1950http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/01/13/is-the-yankees-third-base-job-kelly-johnsons-to-lose/comment-page-1/#comment-640626
Mon, 13 Jan 2014 17:41:28 +0000http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/?p=508787#comment-640626@ spudchukar, a couple of days back I believe you referred to me a “Karnak”. About you question above, I have no clue, the only thing I seem to be able to recall was a while back I believe the Braves expressed some interest in him. Whether or not it was real or still exist I couldn’t tell you. And that’s the God’s honest truth.
]]>By: uyf1950http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/01/13/is-the-yankees-third-base-job-kelly-johnsons-to-lose/comment-page-1/#comment-640621
Mon, 13 Jan 2014 17:35:28 +0000http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/?p=508787#comment-640621@ spudchukar my friend I agree with you almost 100%. I would just amend the beginning of your comment by saying, your comment(s) are meant to illuminate “what you believe” the current issues for the Yankees to be. Just like others can comment/reply on what they believe are non issues with 11 weeks to go until the regular season begins.

I just think sometimes we all tend to make mountain out of molehills, myself included. BTW, I agree I’ve read far to much about HOF, PED’s and a bunch of other acronyms. Time to move on from those topics.